Swim, soak in clean water, specialists urge

Your family's health could sink or swim, depending on where you
choose to spend the summer.

But a few very basic precautions can greatly reduce your risk of
trouble.

"Bacterial infections and water-borne illnesses are real risks
for those who enjoy swimming, water-skiing or many other
recreational water activities," said Dr. Dennis Maki, professor of
medicine and infectious-disease specialist at the University of
Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Bacteria, viruses
and parasites can all make you sick in "recreational water."

And it's not just natural bodies of water. Maki says pools and
hot tubs, as well as rivers and lakes, can be sources for
gastrointestinal illnesses; skin, ear and eye infections; and
respiratory, neurological and viral problems.

According to Maki, who is also an epidemiologist at UW Hospital
and Clinics, the safest places to swim are generally municipal and
private pools which are monitored for their chlorine content. But
he cautions that even pools can pose risks because some pathogens,
such as cryptosporidium, can live for days even in properly
chlorinated water.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend safety precautions for
prevention of illness related to water recreation:

• Adults and children with diarrhea should not use swimming
pools, hot tubs or water parks.

• Shower with soap and tap water before swimming or getting into
a hot tub and, again, afterwards.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before
re-entering the water.

• Avoid swallowing water.

• Don't swim in warm, stagnant water or use poorly maintained
hot tubs or pools.